Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Can Trail Running Make You Smarter?

We all know trail running to be a wonderful activity for increasing your physical health. But can it make you smarter as well? More studies are showing that both physical activity and being outside can improve mental cognition...perhaps we have found the ultimate combo!

The NY Times recently published an article citing a recent study by the National Institute of Health that had isolated a fascinating protein called cathepsin B. This protein occurs naturally in muscle cells during aerobic activity, and is believed to be a contributor to how muscles recover. Now they are understanding it also helps with neurogenesis, the formation of neurons in the brain. In tests run in Germany (literally "run" in this case), runners were found to have higher levels of cathepsin B then their sedentary counterparts, and those levels were directly correlated to improvements on memory and thinking. When mice were bred to not have cathepsin B and made to run, they quickly lost the use of new skills, so this protein could be key. Running long distances might even double the rate of neurogenesis, according to some doctors.

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

Want to advertise on this blog, reach 100k+ users/month who love the outdoors, and improve your Google PageRank? Give me a shout at scottdunlap [at] yahoo.com.

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